ALCOHOL 361 



especially during the period when inflammatory products 

 are being removed, are benefited by moderate, frequently 

 repeated doses of alcohol. The restorative sustaining power 

 of alcohol in the second stage of such disorders is well at- 

 tested and generally conceded. 



The antiseptic and antipyretic actions of alcohol are well 

 exhibited in septicaemia. This is illustrated by an experi- 

 ment of Binz, who produced septic fever by injection of pus 

 in two young healthy dogs of equal weight, one of which, 

 treated with three doses of two drachms of alcohol intro- 

 duced into the stomach, shortly recovered, while the other 

 which remained without treatment, died on the second day. 

 His experiments with rabbits, already quoted, also testify 

 to the notable antipyretic effects of alcohol. Not only does 

 it lower high temperature, but in such cases it also helps to 

 maintain the failing cardiac action, and to surmount the 

 critical nervous depression. It is serviceable in horses 

 fevered and enfeebled with protracted strangles, or debili- 

 tated by purpura ; in all animals suffering from parturition 

 metritis ; and in dogs exhausted from distemper ; as well as 

 in most other forms of systemic poisoning. During 

 convalescence from enervating disorders, as well as in 

 chronic cases connected with mal-assimilation, alcohol is 

 beneficial in all classes of patients as a gastric tonic, general 

 stimulant, and a readily assimilable food. Anaemic subjects 

 are frequently treated with sound ale or spirit and water, 

 conjoined with iron salts and oleaginous food. 



The more important medicinal effects follow within ten or 

 fifteen minutes after administration. As already indicated, 

 the weak pulse should become stronger and firmer, the 

 quick pulse slower, breathing should be more natural, the 

 skin more moist, and temperature lower in a word, there 

 should be remission of the more prominent morbid symptoms. 

 If such favourable effects are not produced, alcohol is not 

 a suitable remedy, or the dose has been wrongly estimated. 

 When unsuitable, or given too frequently, or in quantity too 

 large, whether in health or disease, alcohol hinders oxida- 

 tion, retards excretion, impairs digestion, and causes dryness 

 of skin and mucous surfaces. 



Alcohol somewhat resembles in its actions and uses the 



